Obituary of Kathleen M Kretzmer

Kathleen (Erhard) Kretzmer Kathleen (Erhard) Kretzmer, 63 of Vestal, NY passed peacefully in her sleep in the early hours of Friday, January 25, 2013. After a courageous battle with cancer, Kathy went tranquilly with her husband of nearly 45 years, Eric Kretzmer, at her side in their Vestal home. Kathy Kretzmer was predeceased by her loving parents, Edward and Margaret (Kiley) Erhard of Massapequa, NY. She is survived by her beloved husband, Eric; two younger brothers, Edward Erhard and John Erhard; son and daughter-in-law, Eric and Marcie Kretzmer; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Walaya Kretzmer; and five adoring grandsons, EJ, Jason, Cameron, Gavin, and Derek. In addition, Kathleen is survived by her uncle and aunt, Alfred and Marie Erhard; numerous loving cousins, nieces and nephews, special in-laws, and "close as family" friends and colleagues. Kathy graduated from Massapequa High School, SUNY Binghamton (B.A. - Social Sciences), and SUNY Albany (M.S. - Library Sciences). She recently retired from the Vestal Public Library, where she served as the Director of Children's Services. Reading was one of her great passions, and she had the opportunity to share this love with generations of local youth as the face of the Vestal Library's "Story Time" for many years. Her impassioned readings inspired countless children to learn to read and to love to learn. Above all, Kathy will be remembered for her commitment to family and friends. A wonderful wife, a remarkable mother, an exceptional grandmother - Kathy was kind, patient, honest, open-minded, and pure of heart. Always a focal point of the neighborhood, the Kretzmer house was the meeting place where friends and family gathered, and all who entered were welcomed and loved. Kathleen's warmth and kindness provided such an atmosphere that many of her sons' friends came to think of her as their second mother, even referred to her as "Mom", and indeed she was. To her grandsons she was known as "Ooh Hoo," a moniker which has come to embody everything wonderful a grandmother or person can be. Kathy truly had a magical relationship with each grandchild; a relationship founded upon unconditional love, happiness, and generosity. Ooh Hoo was generous with her time, her energy, her love, and her spirit like no other. The Kretzmers would like to thank all of their family and friends who have been there for them during these difficult times and offer a special thank you to the hospice staff for their tremendous support and assistance. Family will receive friends at Coleman & Daniels Funeral Home, 765 Main Street in Vestal, on Tuesday, January 29 from 4:00 to 7:00. Funeral services will begin on Wednesday at the funeral home at 11:00 and be followed by interment at Vestal Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to do so may consider a contribution to Friends of the Vestal Library - 320 Vestal Parkway East, Vestal, NY 13850 or the American Cancer Society - 13 Beach Street, Johnson City, NY 13790 in Loving Memory of Kathy Kretzmer.